Observations

Description

Valves are broadly lanceolate with bluntly rounded apices. A prominent pseudoseptum is present at each apex. The axial area is broad and linear, about three times the width of the raphe. The central area is a rectangular stauros, about the same width as the axial area, widening very slightly near the valve margin. The raphe is lateral, becoming filiform near the central area. The proximal raphe ends are nearly straight and weakly expanded. Striae are slightly radiate throughout. Areolae are coarse and number 9-14 in 10 µm.

Links & ID's

Index Nominum Algarum (INA)

California Academy of Sciences (CAS)

North American Diatom Ecological Database (NADED)

NADED ID:

Autecology Discussion

Stauroneis americana is widely distributed in wetlands with alkaline pH and low to moderate conductivity, but it is rarely found in abundance. Van de Vijver et al. (2004) published a photo of a Stauroneis americana specimen from Yellowstone National Park (plate 91, fig. 2) and Lange-Bertalot & Genkal (1999) pictured a specimen from “the Rocky Mountains, North America” (Tafel 35, fig. 2).